Connectors for smart windows

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/217,873, filed on Jul. 22, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/591,851, filed on Jan. 7, 2015 (issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,436,054), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/325,290, filed on Jul. 7, 2014 (issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,019,588), which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/103,660, filed on Dec. 11, 2013 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,810,889), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/326,168, filed on Dec. 14, 2011 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,643,933);each of these applications is titled “CONNECTORS FOR SMART WINDOWS” andeach of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety and for all purposes.

FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to optically switchabledevices, and more particularly to connectors for optically switchablewindows.

BACKGROUND

Various optically switchable devices are available for controllingtinting, reflectivity, etc. of window panes. Electrochromic devices areone example of optically switchable devices generally. Electrochromismis a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversibleelectrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed ina different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltagechange. The optical property being manipulated is typically one or moreof color, transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance. One well knownelectrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO₃). Tungsten oxide is acathodic electrochromic material in which a coloration transition,transparent to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.

Electrochromic materials may be incorporated into, for example, windowsfor home, commercial, and other uses. The color, transmittance,absorbance, and/or reflectance of such windows may be changed byinducing a change in the electrochromic material, that is,electrochromic windows are windows that can be darkened or lightenedelectronically. A small voltage applied to an electrochromic (EC) deviceof the window will cause it to darken; reversing the voltage causes itto lighten. This capability allows for control of the amount of lightthat passes through the window, and presents an enormous opportunity forelectrochromic windows to be used not only for aesthetic purposes butalso for energy-savings.

With energy conservation being foremost in modern energy policy, it isexpected that growth of the EC window industry will be robust in thecoming years. An important aspect of EC window engineering is how tointegrate EC windows into new and existing (retrofit) applications. Ofparticular import is how to deliver power to the EC glazings throughframing and related structures.

SUMMARY

Connectors for optically switchable devices, including electrochromicdevices, are disclosed herein. A connector and an electrochromic devicemay be associated with or incorporated in an insulated glass unit (IGU),a window assembly, or a window unit, in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, a window unit includes an insulated glass unitincluding an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly is attached toan edge of the insulated glass unit and includes wires in electricalcommunication with distinct electrodes of the optically switchable pane.A floating connector is attached to the distal end of the wire assembly,with the floating connector being electrically coupled to the opticallyswitchable pane. The floating connector includes a flange and a noseextending from the flange by a distance approximately equal to athickness of a first frame in which insulated glass unit is to bemounted. The nose includes a terminal face presenting, at least, twoexposed contacts of opposite polarities. Other contacts may be present,e.g., for communication to a logic circuit in the window unit. Thefloating connector further includes two holes in the flange for affixingthe floating connector to the first frame. The two holes in the flangeare arranged with respect to the nose such that the nose is closer toone of the holes than the other, thereby requiring that the two exposedcontacts be arranged in a defined orientation when the floatingconnector is affixed to the first frame. In other embodiments, thefloating connector includes an asymmetric element in the shape of thenose and/or the flange that permits installation in only one way.

In another embodiment, a window assembly includes an insulated glassunit including an optically switchable pane. A first connector ismounted to the insulated glass unit in a sealant of the insulated glassunit. The first connector includes exposed contacts electrically coupledto leads extending from the optically switchable pane and through theinsulated glass unit, e.g., around the perimeter of a spacer of the IGUand to the first connector. The first connector further includes a firstferromagnetic element which itself may be magnetized. A wire assembly isconfigured to be detachably mounted to the insulated glass unit throughthe first connector. The wire assembly includes at least two wiresextending from and electrically coupled to a second connector. Thesecond connector includes a surface having contacts and the surface isshaped for mechanical engagement to the first connector. The secondconnector further includes a second ferromagnetic element, which itselfmay be magnetized. At least one of the first and second ferromagneticelements is magnetized such that the first and second connectors maymagnetically engage one another to provide electrical communicationbetween their respective contacts.

In another embodiment, a window system includes a first insulated glassunit. The first insulated glass unit includes a first opticallyswitchable pane and a first connector in electrical communication withelectrodes of the first optically switchable pane. A first coupling unitincludes two connectors linked by a flexible ribbon cable, with a firstof the two connectors being configured to mate with the first connector.

These and other features and advantages will be described in furtherdetail below, with reference to the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a voltage profile for driving optical statetransitions for an electrochromic device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic of an electrochromic device.

FIG. 3 shows examples of the operations for fabricating an insulatedglass unit including an electrochromic pane and incorporating theinsulated glass unit into a frame.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a manner in which an insulated glass unitincluding an electrochromic pane may be transported during fabricationand/or testing of the insulated glass unit.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an insulated glass unit including anelectrochromic pane and an associated wire assembly.

FIG. 5B shows an example of the manner in which an insulated glass unitincluding an electrochromic pane may be transported during fabricationand/or testing of the insulated glass unit.

FIG. 5C depicts a first connector and second connector, each having twoferromagnetic elements.

FIG. 5D depicts an IGU with two or more redundant connectors embedded inthe secondary seal.

FIG. 6 shows examples of schematic diagrams of an insulated glass unitincluding an electrochromic pane in a frame with a floating connectorinstalled in the frame.

FIG. 7 shows examples of schematic diagrams of a window unitincorporating an insulated glass unit including an electrochromic panewith detail of a connection configuration for powering the insulatedglass unit.

FIG. 8 shows examples of schematic diagrams of a window unitincorporating insulated glass units including electrochromic panes withdetail of a connection configuration for powering the insulated glassunits.

FIGS. 9A-9D show examples of schematic diagrams of insulated glass unitsand window units with ribbon cable connector embodiments as describedherein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B include schematic diagrams of an insulated glass unit(IGU) with a frame that may serve as both as a secondary sealing elementand an electrical connector for an electrochromic pane of the IGU.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that while the disclosed embodiments focus onelectrochromic (EC) windows (also referred to as smart windows), theconcepts disclosed herein may apply to other types of switchable opticaldevices, including liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices,and the like. For example, a liquid crystal device or a suspendedparticle device, instead of an EC device, could be incorporated in anyof the disclosed embodiments.

An insulated glass unit (IGU) is part of the transparent component of a“window.” In the following description, an IGU may include twosubstantially transparent substrates, for example, two panes of glass,where at least one substrate includes an electrochromic device disposedthereon, and the panes have a separator disposed between them. One ormore of the panes may itself be a laminate structure of panes. An IGU istypically hermetically sealed, having an interior region that isisolated from the ambient environment. A window assembly may include anIGU, electrical connectors for coupling the one or more electrochromicdevices of the IGU to a window controller, and a frame that supports theIGU and related wiring.

In order to orient the reader to embodiments for delivering power to oneor more EC devices in an IGU and/or window assembly, an exemplarydescription of powering curves for transitioning an electrochromicwindow is presented.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a voltage profile for driving an opticalstate transition for an electrochromic device. The magnitude of the DCvoltages applied to an electrochromic device may depend in part on thethickness of the electrochromic stack of the electrochromic device andthe size (e.g., area) of the electrochromic device. A voltage profile,100, includes the following sequence: a negative ramp, 102, a negativehold, 103, a positive ramp, 104, a negative hold, 106, a positive ramp,108, a positive hold, 109, a negative ramp, 110, and a positive hold,112. Note that the voltage remains constant during the length of timethat the device remains in its defined optical state, i.e., in negativehold 106 and positive hold 112. Negative ramp 102 drives the device tothe colored state and negative hold 106 maintains the device in thecolored state for a desired period of time. Negative hold 103 may be fora specified duration of time or until another condition is met, such asa desired amount of charge being passed sufficient to cause the desiredchange in coloration, for example. Positive ramp 104, which increasesthe voltage from the maximum in negative voltage ramp 102, may reducethe leakage current when the colored state is held at negative hold 106.

Positive ramp 108 drives the transition of the electrochromic devicefrom the colored to the bleached state. Positive hold 112 maintains thedevice in the bleached state for a desired period of time. Positive hold109 may be for a specified duration of time or until another conditionis met, such as a desired amount of charge being passed sufficient tocause the desired change in coloration, for example. Negative ramp 110,which decreases the voltage from the maximum in positive ramp 108, mayreduce leakage current when the bleached state is held at positive hold112.

Further details regarding voltages and algorithms used for driving anoptical state transition for an electrochromic device may be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/049,623, titled “CONTROLLINGTRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed Mar. 16, 2011, whichis herein incorporated by reference.

Along with voltage algorithms, there is associated wiring andconnections for the electrochromic device being powered. FIG. 2 shows anexample of a cross-sectional schematic of an electrochromic device, 200.Electrochromic device 200 includes a substrate, 205. The substrate maybe transparent and may be made of, for example, glass. A firsttransparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer, 210, is on substrate 205, withfirst TCO layer 210 being the first of two conductive layers used toform the electrodes of electrochromic device 200. Electrochromic stack215 may include (i) an electrochromic (EC) layer, (ii) an ion-conducting(IC) layer, and (iii) a counter electrode (CE) layer to form a stack inwhich the IC layer separates the EC layer and the CE layer.Electrochromic stack 215 is sandwiched between first TCO layer 210 and asecond TCO layer, 220, TCO layer 220 being the second of two conductivelayers used to form the electrodes of electrochromic device 200. FirstTCO layer 210 is in contact with a first bus bar, 230, and second TCOlayer 220 is in contact with a second bus bar, 225. Wires, 231 and 232,are connected to bus bars 230 and 225, respectively, and form a wireassembly (not shown) which terminates in a connector, 235. Wires ofanother connector, 240, may be connected to a controller that is capableof effecting a transition of electrochromic device 200, e.g., from afirst optical state to a second optical state. Connectors 235 and 240may be coupled, such that the controller may drive the optical statetransition for electrochromic device 200.

Further details regarding electrochromic devices may be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/645,111, titled “FABRICATION OF LOWDEFECTIVITY ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,” filed Dec. 22, 2009. Furtherdetails regarding electrochromic devices may also be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/645,159 filed Dec. 22, 2009, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/772,055 filed Apr. 30, 2010, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/814,277 filed Jun. 11, 2010, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/814,279 filed Jun. 11, 2010, each titled“ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES;” each of the aforementioned are hereinincorporated by reference.

In accordance with voltage algorithms and associated wiring andconnections for powering an electrochromic device, there are alsoaspects of how the wired EC glazing is incorporated into an IGU and howthe IGU is incorporated into, e.g., a frame. FIG. 3 shows examples ofthe operations for fabricating an insulated glass unit, 325, includingan electrochromic pane, 305, and incorporating the insulated glass unitinto a frame, 327. Electrochromic pane 305 has an electrochromic device(not shown, but for example on surface A) and bus bars, 310, whichprovide power to the electrochromic device, is matched with anotherglass pane, 315. The electrochromic pane may include, for example, anelectrochromic device similar to the electrochromic device shown in FIG.2, as described above. In some embodiments, the electrochromic device issolid state and inorganic.

During fabrication of IGU 325, a separator, 320 is sandwiched in betweenand registered with glass panes 305 and 315. IGU 325 has an associatedinterior space defined by the faces of the glass panes in contact withseparator 320 and the interior surfaces of the separator. Separator 320may be a sealing separator, that is, the separator may include a spacerand sealing material (primary seal) between the spacer and each glasspane where the glass panes contact the separator. A sealing separatortogether with the primary seal may seal, e.g. hermetically, the interiorvolume enclosed by glass panes 305 and 315 and separator 320 and protectthe interior volume from moisture and the like. Once glass panes 305 and315 are coupled to separator 320, a secondary seal may be applied aroundthe perimeter edges of IGU 325 in order to impart further sealing fromthe ambient environment, as well as further structural rigidity to IGU325. The secondary seal may be a silicone based sealant, for example.

IGU 325 may be wired to a window controller, 350, via a wire assembly,330. Wire assembly 330 includes wires electrically coupled to bus bars310 and may include other wires for sensors or for other components ofIGU 325. Insulated wires in a wire assembly may be braided and have aninsulated cover over all of the wires, such that the multiple wires forma single cord or line. A wire assembly may also be referred to as a“pig-tail.” IGU 325 may be mounted in frame 327 to create a windowassembly, 335. Window assembly 335 is connected, via wire assembly 330,to window controller, 350. Window controller 350 may also be connectedto one or more sensors in frame 327 with one or more communicationlines, 345. During fabrication of IGU 325, care must be taken, e.g., dueto the fact that glass panes may be fragile but also because wireassembly 330 extends beyond the IGU glass panes and may be damaged. Anexample of such a scenario is depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the manner in which an insulated glass unit(IGU) including an electrochromic pane may be transported during thefabrication process for the insulated glass unit. As shown in FIG. 4,IGUs, 402 and 404, may be transported and handled on a transport system,400, in a manner in which an IGU rests on its edge. For example,transport system 400 may include a number of rollers such that IGUs mayeasily be translated along an assembly or testing line. Handling an IGUin a vertical manner (i.e., with the IGU resting on its edge) may havethe advantage of the IGU having a smaller footprint on a manufacturingfloor. Each IGU may include a wire assembly (or a pigtail), 412, with aconnector that provides electrical contact to the bus bars and the ECstack in each IGU. The wire assembly may be about 12 inches long suchthat the wire does not interfere with transport system 400, e.g., whenthe IGU vertical dimension as it rests on transport system 400 is about12 inches or more. The wire assembly also may be offset from an edge ofthe IGU by about 3 inches, e.g., to ensure that when installed in aframe the wires do not interfere with blocks or other means of securingthe IGU in the frame. During transport on transport system 400, the wireassembly, although sized to avoid contact with transport system 400, maycatch on other features of a fabrication facility or be inadvertentlyheld while the IGU is still moving along transport system 400. When thewire assembly is permanently attached to the IGU as shown in FIGS. 3 and4, the wire assembly may be inadvertently detached from the IGU orotherwise damaged. This may include damaging the wiring within thesecondary seal of the IGU. When this happens, the entire IGU may need tobe replaced. Since typically the EC glazing(s) of the IGU are the mostexpensive feature, it is unacceptably costly to dispose of the entireIGU as a result of damaging the wiring component of the IGU assembly dueto external portions of the wiring. Embodiments described herein avoidsuch a result.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an insulated glass unit, 500,including an electrochromic pane, 505, and an associated wire assembly,530. IGU 500 includes electrochromic pane 505 which includes bus bars,515, which are in electrical communication with an EC device, 517 (foran exemplary cross-section see FIG. 2). Electrochromic pane 505 ismatched with another pane (not shown) and attached to the other panewith a separator, 520 (indicated by the dotted lines). The area of ECpane 505 outside of separator 520 is a secondary sealing area, while ECdevice lies within the perimeter of separator 520 (which forms theprimary seal against the glass panes of the IGU). In the assembled IGU,the secondary sealing area is typically filled with a sealing compound(as described in relation to FIG. 3) to form a secondary seal. Wires,522 and 523, are connected to bus bars 515 and extend through IGU 500from bus bars 515, through or under spacer 520, and within the secondaryseal to a first connector, 525. Wires 522 and 523 may be positioned suchthat they do not appear in the viewable region of the panes. Forexample, the wires may be enclosed in the sealing separator or thesecondary seal as depicted. In some embodiments, and as depicted, firstconnector 525 may be housed substantially within the secondary seal. Forexample, first connector 525 may be surrounded by the secondary sealanton all sides except for the face of first connector 525 having two pads,527. The first connector may be housed substantially within thesecondary seal in different manners. For example, in some embodiments,the first connector may be housed substantially within the secondaryseal and be recessed relative to the edges of the glass panes. In someembodiments, the first connector may be housed substantially within thesecondary seal and protrude beyond the edges of the glass panes. Inother embodiments, first connector 525 may itself form part of thesecondary seal, e.g., by sandwiching between the glass panes withsealant disposed between itself and the glass panes.

As noted above, first connector 525 includes two pads 527. The two padsare exposed and provide electrical contact to wires 522 and 523. In thisexample, first connector 525 further includes a ferromagnetic element,529. Wire assembly 530 includes a second connector, 535, configured tomate with and provide electrical communication with pads 527. Secondconnector 535 includes a surface having two pads, 540, that provideelectrical contact to wires, 545, of the wire assembly. Second connector535 further includes a ferromagnetic element, 550, configured toregister and mate with ferromagnetic element 529 of the first connector.

Pads 540 of second connector 535 are configured or shaped for mechanicaland electrical contact with pads 527 of first connector 525. Further, atleast one of ferromagnetic elements 529 or 550 of first connector 525 orsecond connector 535, respectively, may be magnetized. With at least oneof ferromagnetic elements 529 or 550 being magnetized, first connector525 and second connector 535 may magnetically engage one another andprovide electrical communication between their respective pads. Whenboth ferromagnetic elements are magnetized, their polarity is oppositeso as not to repel each other when registered. A distal end (not shown)of the wire assembly 530 may include terminals, sometimes provided in aplug or socket, that allow the wire assembly to be connected to a windowcontroller. In one embodiment, a distal end of wire assembly 530 includea floating connector, e.g., as described in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7.

In one embodiment, rather than a pad to pad contact (e.g., 527 to 540 asin FIG. 5A) for the first and second connectors, a pad to spring-typepin configuration is used. That is, one connector has a pad electricalconnection and the other connector has a corresponding spring-type pin,or “pogo pin”; the spring-type pin engages with the pad of the otherconnector in order to make the electrical connection. In one embodiment,where ferromagnetic elements are also included, the magnetic attractionbetween the ferromagnetic elements of the first and second connectors issufficiently strong so as to at least partially compress the springmechanism of the pogo pin so as to make a good electrical connectionwhen engaged. In one embodiment, the pads and corresponding pogo pinsare themselves the ferromagnetic elements.

In some embodiments, first connector 525, second connector 535, or theterminals or connector at the distal end of the wire assembly (e.g. afloating connector) may include a memory device and/or an integratedcircuit device. The memory device and/or integrated circuit device maystore information for identifying and/or controlling electrochromic pane505 in IGU 500. For example, the device may contain a voltage andcurrent algorithm or voltage and current operating instructions fortransitioning electrochromic pane 505 from a colored stated to ableached state or vice versa. The algorithm or operating instructionsmay be specified for the size, shape, and thickness of electrochromicpane 505, for example. As another example, the device may containinformation that identifies the shape or size of electrochromic pane 505to a window controller such that electrochromic pane 505 may operate inan effective manner. As yet another example, the device may containinformation specifying a maximum electric signal and a minimum electricsignal that may be applied to electrochromic pane 505 by a windowcontroller. Specifying maximum and minimum electric signals that may beapplied to the electrochromic pane may help in preventing damage to theelectrochromic pane.

In another example, the memory and/or integrated circuit device maycontain cycling data for the EC device to which it is connected. Incertain embodiments, the memory and/or integrated circuit deviceincludes part of the control circuitry for the one or more EC devices ofthe IGU. In one embodiment, individually, the memory and/or integratedcircuit device may contain information and/or logic to allowidentification of the EC device architecture, glazing size, etc., asdescribed above, e.g., during a testing or initial programming phasewhen in communication with a controller and/or programming device. Inone embodiment, collectively, the memory and/or integrated circuitdevice may include at least part of the controller function of the IGUfor an external device intended as a control interface of the installedIGU.

Further, in embodiments in which first connector 525 includes the memorydevice and/or the integrated circuit device, damage to theelectrochromic pane may be prevented because the device is part of IGU500. Having the maximum and minimum electric signals that may be appliedto electrochromic pane 505 stored on a device included in firstconnector 525 means that this information will always be associated withIGU 500. In one example, a wiring assembly as described herein includesfive wires and associated contacts; two of the wires are for deliveringpower to the electrodes of an EC device, and the remaining three wiresare for data communication to the memory and/or integrated circuitdevice.

Wire assembly 530 described with respect to FIG. 5A may be easilyattachable to, and detachable from, IGU 500. Wire assembly 530 also mayaid in the fabrication and handling of an IGU because wire assembly 530is not permanently attached to the IGU and will therefore not interferewith any fabrication processes. This may lower the manufacturing costsfor an IGU. Further, as noted above, in some IGUs that include wireassemblies that are permanently attached to the IGU, if the wireassembly becomes damaged and/or separated from the IGU, the IGU may needto be disassembled to reconnect the wire assembly or the IGU may need tobe replaced. With a detachable wire assembly, an IGU may be installedand then the wire assembly attached, possibly precluding any damage tothe wire assembly. If a wire assembly is damaged, it can also be easilyreplaced because it is modular.

Additionally, the detachable wire assembly allows for the replacement orthe upgrade of the wire assembly during the installed life of theassociated IGU. For example, if the wire assembly includes a memory chipand/or a controller chip that becomes obsolete or otherwise needsreplacing, a new version of the assembly with a new chip can beinstalled without interfering with the physical structure of the IGU towhich it is to be associated. Further, different buildings may employdifferent controllers and/or connectors that each require their ownspecial wire assembly connector (each of which, for example, may have adistinct mechanical connector design, electrical requirements, logiccharacteristics, etc.). Additionally, if a wire assembly wears out orbecomes damaged during the installed life of the IGU, the wire assemblycan be replaced without replacing the entire IGU.

Another advantage of a detachable wire assembly is shown in FIG. 5B.FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of an insulated glass unit (IGU)including an electrochromic pane and an associated wire assembly on atransport system. The transport system 400 may include a number ofrollers such that an IGU may easily be moved, as described above. Theportion of transport system 400 shown in FIG. 5B may reside in a testingregion of the manufacturing floor, for example, after the IGU isfabricated. With an IGU 500 including a connector and a wire assembly530 with a connector capable of being magnetically coupled to oneanother as described in FIG. 5A, an IGU may be easily tested. Forexample, testing of the IGU may be performed automatically by droppingwire assembly 530 including a connector that includes a ferromagneticelement on to an edge of the IGU. The connector of the wire assembly mayconnect with the connector of the IGU, with little or no physicalalignment needed, e.g., due to arrangement of one or more ferromagneticelements in the mating connectors. For example, the testing connectorend may simply be dangled near the IGU; the registration and connectionbetween the connectors being accomplished by magnetic attraction andalignment, making it “snap” into place automatically. The IGU may thenbe tested, for example, by a testing controller coupled to the other endof the wire assembly. Testing may include, for example, activating theelectrochromic pane and assessing the electrochromic pane for possibledefects. The wire assembly may then be removed from the IGU by a forcesufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the twoconnectors. In certain embodiments, the external connector may requireappropriate flexible supports to prevent the wiring to the externalconnector from experiencing the stress of pulling the connectors apart.The wire assembly may then be ready to engage the next IGU moving alongthe manufacturing line.

In certain embodiments, each of the first and second connectors includesat least two ferromagnetic elements. In a specific embodiment, each ofthe first and second connectors includes two ferromagnetic elements. A“double” magnetic contact allows for more secure connections. Magnetssuch as neodymium based magnets, e.g., comprising Nd₂Fe₁₄B, are wellsuited for this purpose because of their relatively strong magneticfields as compared to their size. As described above, the twoferromagnetic elements may be part of the electrical pads, or not. Inone embodiment, the two ferromagnetic elements in each of the first andthe second connectors are themselves magnets, where the poles of themagnets of each of the first and second connectors that are proximatewhen the connectors are registered, are opposite so that the respectivemagnets in each of the first and second connectors attract each other.

FIG. 5C depicts a first connector (IGU and wiring to the first connectornot shown), 525 a, having two magnets, 560, one with the positive poleexposed and one with the negative pole exposed. The surfaces ofelectrical contacts, 527 a, are also depicted. A second connector, 535a, has corresponding magnets where the poles facing the exposed poles ofmagnets 560 are opposite so as to attract magnets 560. Second connectoralso has wires, 545, that lead to a power source such as a controller(electrical pads on connector 535 a are not depicted). Using such aconnector configuration assures that the electrical connections (thepads in this example) will align correctly due to the magnetic polesattracting only when the opposite poles are proximate each other. In oneembodiment, this arrangement is used where the pad-to-pad orpad-to-pogo-pin electrical connections are so magnetized and poles soconfigured.

When installing an IGU in some framing systems, e.g., a window unit orcurtain wall where multiple IGUs are to be installed in proximity, it isuseful to have flexibility in where the electrical connection is made toeach IGU. This is especially true since typically the EC glazing of theIGUs is always placed on the outside of the installation, facing theexternal environment of the installation. Given this configuration,having the connectors in the same position within the secondary seal ofthe IGUs of the installation requires much more wiring to thecontroller. However, for example, if the electrical connectors in theIGUs (as described herein) can be positioned more proximate to eachother, then less wiring is needed from the IGU to the framing system inwhich the IGUs are installed. Thus, in some embodiments, IGU 500 mayinclude more than one first connector 525, that is, redundant connectorsare installed. For example, referring to FIG. 5D, an IGU 590 mightinclude not only a first connector 525 at the upper right hand side, butalso (as indicated by the dotted line features) another connector at thelower left hand side or at the lower right hand side or the upper lefthand side or in the top or bottom portion of the IGU. In this example,the connectors are all within the secondary seal. The exact position oneach edge is not critical; the key is having more than one connectorthat feeds the same EC device so that when installing the IGU, there isflexibility in where to attach the external connector to the IGU. WhenIGU 590 is mounted in a frame holding 2, 4, 6, or more IGUs similar toIGU 590, for example, having multiple first connectors included withineach IGU 590 allows for more convenient routing of the wires (e.g.,wires 545 as in FIG. 5A associated with each wire assembly 530) in theframe due to the flexibility of having multiple redundant firstconnectors to which the second connector may be coupled. In oneembodiment, the IGU has two first connectors, in another embodimentthree first connectors, in yet another embodiment four first connectors.In certain embodiments there may be five or six first connectors.Although the number of connectors may impact production costs, thisfactor may be more than compensated for by the higher degree offlexibility in installation, e.g., in an expensive and sophisticatedcurtain wall installation where volume to accommodate wiring is oftenlimited and installing multiple first connectors during fabrication isrelatively easy.

In some embodiments, the IGU, e.g. 500 or 590, may include twoelectrochromic panes. In these embodiments, the first connector mayinclude four pads (or corresponding pad to pin contacts) to providecontacts to the bus bars of each of the electrochromic panes (i.e., eachelectrochromic pane would include at least two bus bars). Additionalpads for control and communication with the electrochromic device and/oronboard controller may also be included, e.g., four pads for bus barwiring and three additional pads for communication purposes. Likewise,second connector 535 would include four pads to provide electricalcontact to wires of the wire assembly. In other embodiments, each ECpane may have its own first connector, or two or more redundant firstconnectors. Further description of an IGU that includes two or moreelectrochromic panes is given in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/851,514, titled “MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS,” filed Aug. 5,2010, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Certain embodiments include connectors that are external to the IGU andprovide electrical communication from a framing structure to the IGU(either directly wired to the IGU or wired to a first and secondconnector assembly as described above). FIG. 6 shows examples ofschematic diagrams of a window assembly, 600, including an insulatedglass unit (IGU), 610, which includes an electrochromic pane. IGU 610resides in a frame, 605. A connector, 620, is wired to IGU 610, and asinstalled attached to a frame 605; at least part of connector 620 (thenose, infra) passes through an aperture in frame 605. FIG. 6 includes atop-down schematic diagram (top left, looking at window assembly 600from a major face, but with some aspects missing so as to show internaldetail of the assembly) as well as a cross-section (bottom left) B ofwindow assembly 600. The cross-section B is indicated by cut B on thetop-down diagram. Dashed line 607 indicates the front edge of frame 605(behind the IGU as depicted); the portion of IGU 610 within dashed line607 corresponds to the viewable area of IGU 610 that one would see whenthe frame is assembled, i.e., that which would function as the window.Glazing blocks 615 between IGU 610 and frame 605 serve to support IGU610 within frame 605. Glazing blocks 615 may be compliant to account fordifferences in the coefficients of thermal expansion between frame 605and IGU 610. For example, the glazing blocks 615 may be a foam materialor a polymeric material. Framing material, 625, holds IGU 610 againstframe 605. Note that framing material 625 is not shown in the top-downschematic of window assembly 600. Note also that IGU 610 may be incontact with frame 605 and framing material 625 on each face,respectively, as shown but there may also be some sealant between theglass and the framing material. The cross section shows that this IGUcontains two glazings separated by spacers.

IGU 610 includes a wire assembly 617 including at least two wireselectrically coupled to the two bus bars (not shown) of anelectrochromic device (not shown) on the electrochromic pane of the IGU.Note that wire assembly 617 is not shown in the cross section of windowassembly 600. The wires of wire assembly 617 terminate at a floatingconnector 620 at a distal end of the wire assembly. Floating connector620 includes two female sockets that are electrically coupled to thewires. Further details regarding embodiments of floating connectors aregiven below with respect to FIG. 7. A fixed connector, 630, includingtwo male pins may be plugged into floating connector 620. The fixedconnector may be fixed to a frame or building in which window assembly600 is mounted, for example. With fixed connector 630 being electricallycoupled to a window controller, the optical state of the electrochromicdevice of IGU 610 may be changed.

While floating connector 620 and fixed connector 630 as shown in FIG. 6are pin/socket type connectors, other types of connectors may be used.For example, in some embodiments, a face of the nose of the floatingconnector may be flat and include magnetic pads presented on the face ofthe floating connector. Wires of wire assembly 617 may be coupled tothese magnetic pads. Fixed connector 630 may also include magnetic padsthat are configured or shaped for mechanical and electrical contact withthe pads of the floating connector. Alternatively, floating connector620 and fixed connector 630 may be similar to the connectors describedabove in relation to FIG. 5A.

Floating connector 620 may be attached to frame 605 with screws, nails,or other devices, or may be a compression fit with no additionalaffixing members. A nose of the floating connector may be flush with theouter edge of frame 605. The nose of the floating connector may becircular, rectangular, or other shape.

While wire assembly 617 is shown as being directly connected to floatingconnector 620, other mechanisms may be used to connect wire assembly 617to floating connector 620. For example, in some embodiments, theconnection of wire assembly 617 to floating connector 620 may be madewith connectors similar to the connectors described above in relation toFIG. 5A.

Further, similar to the connectors and the wire assembly described inFIG. 5A, floating connector 620, fixed connector 630, or the distal endof the wire assembly, of which the fixed connector 630 is a part, mayinclude a memory device and/or an integrated circuit device. The devicemay store information for identifying and/or controlling theelectrochromic pane in IGU 610, as described above.

In some embodiments, IGU 610 may include two electrochromic panes. Inthis embodiment, the floating connector may include four female socketsthat are electrically coupled to the bus bars of each of theelectrochromic panes (i.e., each electrochromic pane would include atleast two bus bars). Likewise, fixed connector 630 would include fourmale pins to be plugged into the floating connector.

FIG. 7 shows examples of schematic diagrams of a window unit, 700,incorporating an insulated glass unit including an electrochromic pane.Window unit 700 includes a frame, 710, in which a fixed frame, 707, anda movable frame, 705, are mounted. Fixed frame 707 may be fixedlymounted in frame 710 so that it does not move. Movable frame 705 may bemovably mounted in frame 710 so that it may move from a closed positionto an open position, for example. In the window industry, the windowunit may be referred to as a single hung window, the fixed frame may bereferred to as a fixed sash, and the movable frame may be referred to asa movable sash. Movable frame 705 may include an IGU (not shown)including an electrochromic pane (not shown), with connection of theelectrochromic pane to a window controller being provided by a floatingconnector, 715, and a fixed connector, 720. While FIG. 7 shows a windowunit including one movable frame with connectors for connecting theelectrochromic pane of the movable frame to a window controller, theconnectors also may be used with a window unit including two movableframes. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that thedescribed embodiments with one or two movable frames could includehorizontally-sliding windows.

When movable frame 705 is in an open position, floating connector 715,affixed to the movable frame 705, may not be in contact with fixedconnector 720, which is affixed to the frame 710. Thus, when movableframe 705 is in an open position, the electrochromic pane of the IGUmounted in movable frame 705 may not be able to be controlled by awindow controller. When movable frame 705 is in a closed position,however, floating connector 715 makes contact with fixed connector 720.The mating of floating connector 715 and fixed connector 720 provideselectrical communication, and thus allows for actuation of theelectrochromic pane of the IGU in movable frame 705. For example, thefixed connector may be coupled to a window controller, with the windowcontroller being configured to transition the electrochromic pane of theIGU between a first optical state and a second optical state.

Floating connector 715 and fixed connector 720 are one example of a pairof connectors for electrically coupling an electrochromic pane to awindow controller. Other pairs of connectors are possible. Floatingconnector 715 has a flange, 716, and a nose, 717, extending from theflange. Nose 717 may have a length about equal to a thickness of movableframe 705. Nose 717 includes a terminal face, 718, that includes twoexposed female contacts, 719. Floating connector 715 may be affixed tomovable frame 715 through mounting holes 721 in the flange 716 usingscrews, nails, or other attachment devices and/or press fit (i.e.,secured by compression only). Because female contacts 719 of floatingconnector 715 may have opposite polarities, both floating connector 715and fixed connector 720 may have offset mounting holes and/or be shapedor configured so that they can be installed in only one way, e.g.,having an asymmetrical element associated with the shape of theconnector and/or a registration notch or pin. That is, for example, onemounting hole 721 in flange 716 may be located closer to nose 717 thananother mounting hole 721. With the mounting holes arranged in thisoffset manner, the exposed contacts may be arranged in a definedorientation when floating connector 715 is affixed to movable frame 705.For example, movable frame 705 may include holes that are drilled orformed in the movable frame when it is made. When installing the IGU inthe movable frame, one may mount floating connector 715 in movable frame705 such that offset holes 721 in flange 716 are arranged to match theholes pre-formed in movable frame 705. This offset arrangement ofmounting elements prevents the IGU from being connected to a windowcontroller incorrectly, which may damage the electrochromic pane of theIGU.

Another mechanism instead of, or in addition to, screws or nails may beused to affix floating connector 715 to movable frame 705. For example,in some implementations, nose 717 of floating connector 715 may furtherinclude protrusions. Such protrusions may engage with movable frame 705and hold nose 717 of floating connector 715 when the nose is passedthrough a hole or an aperture in the movable frame to expose terminalface 718 of nose 717. In some implementations, the protrusions from nose717 may be incompressible. The incompressible protrusions may engagewith and deform the inside of the hole or aperture in movable frame 705when nose 717 is passed through the hole during installation (e.g., thenose is partially inserted into the hole and then the remainder of thenose tapped in with a rubber mallet). When the incompressibleprotrusions engage with and deform inside the hole, they may holdfloating connecter 715 in movable frame 705. In one example, theprotrusions are barbs or similar “one-way” protrusions that areconfigured to hold the nose in the aperture once inserted therein. Inanother example, the protrusions, although incompressible and configuredto hold the nose in the aperture, allow the nose to be removed with someamount of force that will not damage the connector. In otherimplementations, the protrusions from nose 717 may be compressible. Thecompressible protrusions may compressively engage with the inside of ahole or an aperture in movable frame 705 when nose 717 is inserted intothe hole. When the compressible protrusions engage with the hole, theymay hold floating connecter 715 in movable frame 705.

Fixed connector 720 includes two male contacts 725. When movable frame705 is in a closed position, male contacts 725 of fixed connector 720contact the two female contacts 719 of floating connector 715. Thisallows electrical communication with the electrochromic pane in movableframe 705. Springs 727 or other mechanical devices are used to causemale contacts 725 to extend from the raised surface 726 of fixedconnector 720. Springs 727 or other mechanical devices also allow malecontacts 725 to recede into raised surface 726 of fixed connector 720when a force is applied to male contacts 725. Springs 727 in fixedconnector 720 may aid in protecting male contacts 725 during use ofwindow unit 700. For example, without springs 727, male contacts 725 maybe exposed and otherwise damaged by a user opening and closing thewindow in some cases. Male contacts 725 are one type of pogo pinelectrical contact.

In some embodiments, terminal face 718 of floating connector 715 mayinclude a circumferential rim and an interior recessed region whereexposed female contacts 719 are presented. The circumferential rim mayhave a slope directed inwardly towards the interior recessed region. Theinwardly directed slope of the circumferential rim may facilitate matingof raised surface 726 of fixed connector 720 with terminal face 718 offloating connector 715. Raised surface 726 may aid in guiding malecontacts 725 of fixed connector 720 to register with female contacts 719of floating connector 715.

Similar to floating connector 715, fixed connector 720 may be affixed toframe 710 through mounting holes 728 in fixed connector 720 usingscrews, nails, or other attachment devices. Fixed connector 720 also mayhave offset mounting holes. That is, for example, one mounting hole,728, in fixed connector 720 may be located closer to raised surface 726than another mounting hole, 728. With the mounting holes arranged inthis offset manner, male contacts 725 may be arranged in a definedorientation when fixed connector 720 is affixed to frame 710. Forexample, frame 710 may include holes that are drilled or formed in theframe when it is made. An installer of fixed connector 720 in frame 710may mount the fixed connector to the frame such that offset holes 728are arranged to match the holes formed in the frame. This prevents theIGU from being connected to a window controller incorrectly, which maydamage the electrochromic pane of the IGU.

In this example, mounting holes 728 in fixed connector 720 also allowfor movement of fixed connector 720, that is, fixed connector 720 ismovably affixed to frame 710. For example, each of mounting holes 728includes an open volume around the screw that passes through it. Thisopen volume may be a slot that allows fixed connector 720 to translateorthogonally (in the plane of the page as drawn) to the motion ofmovable frame 705 in order to align with floating connector 715 whenmovable frame 715 moves towards a closed position and thereby connectors715 and 720 “dock” with each other. The slot is sized so that the headsof the attaching screws cannot pass through the slots, thus fixedconnector 720 is “slidably” attached to frame 710.

Fixed frame 707 of window unit 700 also may include an IGU (not shown)including an electrochromic pane (not shown). Connectors, such asconnectors 715 and 720 described above, may be used to connect theelectrochromic pane of fixed frame 707 to a window controller. A fixedconnector having springs 727, or other mechanical devices that mayprotect the male contacts 725, may not need to be used in the connectorsfor fixed frame 707, however, as fixed frame 707 may remain fixed andnot move from an open position to a closed position.

In some embodiments of a fixed connector and a floating connector for amovable frame mounted in a frame, springs or other mechanisms are notused to cause male contacts 725 to extend from raised surface 726 offixed connector 720. Instead, for example, a magnetic force is used tocause male contacts 725 of fixed connector 720 to couple with femalecontacts 719 of floating connector 715. The magnetic force may beprovided by either or both of female contacts 719 in floating connector715 and/or male contacts 725 in fixed connector 720 including magneticelements, for example. The magnetic elements may be neodymium magnets,for example. A magnetic force between male contacts 725 and femalecontacts 719 causes male contacts 725 to extend from raised surface 726and couple to female contacts 719 in floating connector 715 whenfloating connector 715 and fixed connector 720 are in close proximity toone another. When fixed connector 720 and floating connector 715 are adistance apart from one another, a mechanical device may impart a forceon male contacts 725 that causes male contacts 725 to recede into thefixed connector 720, for example, springs that cause male contacts 725to recede into fixed connector 720 when the magnetic force issufficiently diminished by separation of fixed connector 720 andfloating connector 715.

It should be noted that, as described thus far, when movable frame 705of window unit 700 is closed, electrical contact is made via thecontacts as described. In one embodiment, the movable frame containingthe IGU and the frame in which the movable frame resides have a wirelesspower generator and receiver. In this way, the electrochromic pane canbe transitioned even if the movable frame is in an open position. It isconvenient to have the wireless power generator in the frame and thereceiver in the movable frame containing the IGU and the electrochromicpane, but embodiments are not so limited. Wireless poweredelectrochromic windows are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/971,576, filed Dec. 17, 2010, titled “Wireless Powered ElectrochromicWindows,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. In one embodiment,the frame contains a radio frequency (RF) generator for transmittingwireless power and the movable frame contains a receiver fortransforming the wirelessly transmitted energy into electrical energy topower the electrochromic pane. In another embodiment, one or morewireless power generators are located away from the electrochromic panewhile the receiver is in the movable frame. In other embodiments,magnetic induction is used to generate wireless power for theelectrochromic pane.

In other embodiments, continuous electrical contact between a frame anda movable frame mounted in the frame is made via connectors with slidingcontacts. FIG. 8 includes schematic diagrams of a window unit, 800,which includes insulated glass units each including an electrochromicpane. FIG. 8, like FIG. 6, includes a front view and a cross section ofthe window unit 800. Cross-section C (lower portion of FIG. 8) isindicated by line C on the front view in the upper left portion of FIG.8.

Window unit 800 includes a frame, 810, in which a first movable frame,805, and a second movable frame, 807, are mounted. First movable frame805 and second movable frame 807 are movably mounted in frame 810 sothat they both may move up and down in frame 810. In the windowindustry, window unit 800 may be referred to as a double hung window andmovable frames 805 and 807 are referred to as movable sashes. Firstmovable frame 805 includes an IGU, 815, including an electrochromic pane(not shown). Second movable frame, 807, includes an IGU 817 including anelectrochromic pane (not shown).

To provide electrical connections to the electrochromic panes in each ofIGUs 815 and 817, frame 810 includes rails (e.g., two rails for each ofmovable frames 805 and 807, and additional rails for communication toonboard circuitry if included in the IGU) that are electrically coupledto a window controller when the sashes are installed in frame 810. Inthis example, each of IGUs 815 and 817 include a floating connector,825, that electrically connects the bus bars (not shown) of theelectrochromic panes to connector pins 835 mounted in movable frames 805and 807, respectively. Springs 830 or other mechanisms may be associatedwith connector pins 835 to force connector pins 835 into contact withrails 820 when movable frames 805 and 807 are mounted in frame 810. Notethat rails 820 need not, and in this example do not, traverse the entireheight of frame 810. This is due to the positioning of connectors 825mounted in movable frames 805 and 807. By virtue of this placement,electrical connection between pins 835 and rails 820 is maintainedthroughout the entire slidable range of the movable frames. In someembodiments, rails 820 traverse the entire height of the frame 810,depending on the positioning of connectors 825 in each of the movableframes 805 and 807.

In some embodiments, rails 820 may be a metal. In other embodiments,rails 820 may be carbon or other conductive material, e.g., carbonbrushes or woven carbon fibers, e.g., in the form of a compressibletube. In some embodiments, connector pins 835 may be a metal or carbon.Connector pins 835 may also be in the form of brushes. In someembodiments, the interface between rails 820 and connector pins 835 mayserve as a weather seal. Further, the motion of movable frames 805 and807 in frame 810 may serve to clean the surfaces where rails 820 contactconnector pins 835 so that electrical contact may be maintained.

Other configurations of rails 820 and connector pins 835 are possible.For example, the rails may be positioned at 837 where a movable framecontacts frame 810. Pins 835 or other conductive surface may be arrangedto contact rails 820 positioned at 837.

While FIG. 8 shows a window unit including two movable frames withconnectors for connecting the electrochromic panes of the movable framesto a window controller, the connectors also may be used with a windowunit including one movable frame or horizontally sliding windows.

In some embodiments of IGU 815 or 817, the IGU may include twoelectrochromic panes. In this embodiment, to provide electricalconnections to the electrochromic panes in each of IGUs 815 and 817,frame 810 may include rails (e.g., four rails for each of the moveableframes 805 and 807, as each electrochromic pane would include at leasttwo bus bars). The rails in the frame may be electrically coupled to awindow controller. In one embodiment, the four rails for each movableframe are configured as two pairs, each pair on opposite sides of themovable frame so as to avoid contact due to any play the movable framemay have in the frame in which it resides. In another embodiment, thefour (or more) rails associated with each IGU are on the same side ofthe movable frame, substantially parallel but spaced apart sufficientlyso as to avoid contact with another rail's floating connector contacts.Another way to maintain continuous electrical communication between amovable frame mounted in a frame is by direct wiring. Embodimentsdescribed herein use flexible wiring, e.g. ribbon cable, to make theelectrical connections.

FIG. 9A shows a schematic diagram of an insulated glass unit includingan electrochromic pane and an associated ribbon cable. The IGU 900includes an electrochromic pane, 505, having bus bars, 515, which are inelectrical communication with an EC device, 517 (for an exemplarycross-section see FIG. 2). Electrochromic pane 505 is matched withanother pane (not shown) and attached to the other pane with aseparator, 520 (indicated by the dotted lines). Outside of separator 520is a secondary sealing area. Wires 522 and 523 are connected to bus bars515 and extend through IGU 900 to a connector, 902. Connector 902 iscapable of being connected to a ribbon cable, 905. Ribbon cable 905 maybe connected to a window controller, 910. In some embodiments, theribbon cable may be a cable with many conducting wires running parallelto each other on the same plane. The ends of the ribbon cable mayinclude connectors for connecting to connector 902 and to windowcontroller 910.

In some embodiments, connector 902 may be similar to connector 525(i.e., connector 902 may include one or more ferromagnetic elements) andribbon cable 905 also may include one or more ferromagnetic elements forengaging connector 902 with ribbon cable 905. Other mechanisms also maybe used to engage connector 902 with ribbon cable 905.

In some embodiments, connector 902 may include a memory device and/or anintegrated circuit device. Ribbon cable 905 may include more wires orelectrically conductive paths than the two paths needed to electricallyconnect to bus bars 515 of electrochromic pane 505 so that the windowcontroller can communicate with the memory device and/or the integratedcircuit device. In some embodiments, the ribbon cable may haveelectrically conductive paths for controlling more than oneelectrochromic pane, as described below. Ribbon cables have advantagesincluding the capability of having multiple parallel wires for carryingpower, communication signals etc., in a thin, flexible format.

In some embodiments, IGU 900 includes two or more electrochromic panes.Connector 902 may be capable of providing electrical contact to the busbars of each of the electrochromic panes (i.e., each electrochromic panewould include at least two bus bars). Thus, in the example of an IGUhaving two electrochromic panes, the ribbon cable may include fourconducting wires running parallel to each other on the same plane forpowering the electrochromic panes.

As described above, in certain embodiments, an IGU may include more thanone connector. In one embodiment, a second connector or furtherconnectors are redundant and serve the same function as the firstconnector, such as for facilitating installation of the IGU by providingmore flexibility in wiring configurations to the IGU. In otherembodiments, the second or further connectors are for connecting the IGUto other IGUs in series or in parallel. In one example, the IGUs arelinked via connectors and wiring assemblies in order to function, forexample, independently, according to the commands of a singlecontroller. The controller may also include capability to controlphysical movement of one or more of the IGUs via a movement mechanism.The movement mechanism can include, e.g., components to open or close awindow which includes an IGU, and/or components for positioning afolding assembly containing two or more IGUs in windows and/or doors. Anillustration of this depicted in FIG. 9B, which shows a system includinga plurality of IGUs, in this case four IGUs, 900 a-d, incorporated intoa folding door system, 903. In this example, system 903 includes fourdoors, each containing an IGU, 900 a-d, respectively. The system couldinclude more or less doors and/or IGU's and may include windows as wellas doors. The IGUs of system 903 are each independently controlled by acontroller 910, e.g., as indicated in FIG. 9B by IGU 900 b being in acolored state while IGUs 900 a, 900 c, and 900 d are transitioned to ableached state.

System 903 may be used, for example, in a large conference room as anoptional divider when the room is to be bifurcated into two smallerconference rooms. As indicated in the top view (FIG. 9B, lowerschematic) the doors containing IGUs 900 a-d are hinged in order to foldin an accordion fashion and also to translate (as indicated by the heavydashed arrow), e.g., into a recess in a wall for storage. In thisexample, controller 910 controls not only the independent transitioningof IGUs 900 a-d, but also the folding/unfolding of the doors as well asthe translation of the doors into the storage position. The mechanism(s)for folding and translating the doors is not depicted in FIG. 9B;however, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that suchmechanisms are commercially available and well known. The mechanisms mayinclude components that require powering via one or more of the doors,and thus the electrical communication in such instances may pass throughwiring assemblies 905 and thus, IGUs 900 a-d, but this is not necessary.In some embodiments, a controller controls not only the transition of anEC device (i.e., the EC device associated with an IGU), but also,independently, an associated movement of the IGU via a movementmechanism.

Controller 910 can accept input manually as depicted and/or wirelessly.Controller 910 is in electrical communication with each of IGUs 900 a-dvia ribbon cable assemblies, 905. In this example, each of IGUs 900b-900 d has two connectors, e.g., IGU 900 d is connected both tocontroller 910 and to IGU 900 c via ribbon cables 905 and correspondingconnectors in IGU 900 d. In turn, each of IGUs 900 b and 900 c alsocontain two connectors to which ribbon cables 905 are connected in orderto continue the chain of electrical communication. The IGU 900 a has atleast one connector in order to electrically connect to IGU 900 b viaribbon cable 905. The IGU 900 a may also have additional connectors,e.g., if it is convenient to produce IGU 900 a in the same manner asIGUs 900 b-d, but this is optional, as in this example IGU 900 a needonly have one associated connector.

In this example, independent control of the electrochromic panes in IGUs900 a-d is accomplished by connecting the IGUs to the window controllerin series. Each of ribbon cables 905 has an appropriate number of wiresand associated contacts to accommodate electrical communication, andthus independent control, from controller 910. The ribbon cable mayinclude any number of different wires, depending on the IGUs to becontrolled, the window controller specifications, the manner in whichthe IGUs are coupled and, optionally, sensors and also any associatedmovement mechanisms that must be controlled via the electricalcommunication lines through the IGUs. In some embodiments, the ribboncable may include 4, 8, 18, 24, or even more wires. For example, theribbon cable may include two wires if a number of IGUs are coupled toone another in series and there are not any sensors associated with theIGUs. As another example, the ribbon cable may include four wires if twoIGUs are coupled to one another and both IGUs are directly coupled to awindow controller.

FIG. 9C shows an example of a window unit incorporating an insulatedglass unit including an electrochromic pane. The window unit, 915,includes a frame, 920, in which a movable frame, 925, which holds an IGU900, is mounted. Movable frame 925 may be movably mounted in frame 920so that it may rotate along an axis of rotation, 917, from a closedposition to an open position, for example. In the window industry,window unit 915 may be referred to as a casement window and movableframe 920 may be referred to as a hinged sash. Movable frame 925 mayinclude IGU 900 including an electrochromic pane (not shown), withconnection of the electrochromic pane to a window controller beingprovided through a ribbon cable 905. Ribbon cable 905 may allow forrotation of movable frame 925 with respect to frame 920. A controllercontrols not only the optical transitions of IGU 900, but also,optionally, controls a movement mechanism for the window to open andclose and related intermediate positioning.

Ribbon cable 905 may include two male connectors, 907 and 909, forcoupling IGU 900 in movable frame 925 to a window controller coupled toframe 920. Many different types of connectors may be used for the ribboncable, however. For example, in some other embodiments, the ribbon cablemay include a male connector and a female connector, two femaleconnectors, and/or a connector including one or more ferromagneticelements as described herein.

In some embodiments, the ribbon cable may be a commercially availableribbon cable, and in some embodiments, the ribbon cable may be aspecially fabricated ribbon cable having specific connectors. The ribboncable may include any number of different wires, depending on the IGU900 and the window controller. For example, the ribbon cable may includeup to 4, 8, 18, 24, or even more wires. Two wires may be used to connecta window controller to the bus bars of the electrochromic pane, and thefurther wires may be used to connect the window controller to sensors,for example, associated with the IGU 900. FIG. 9C depicts a rathersimple window movement mechanism, i.e., rotating on an axis in order toopen and close. There are more complicated movement mechanisms for whichcontrollers described herein may control and for which moresophisticated wiring assemblies are configured. These are furtherdescribed below.

FIG. 9D shows schematic diagrams of a window unit, 930, incorporating aninsulated glass unit, 900, including an electrochromic pane (notspecifically depicted). Window unit 930 includes a frame, 932, in whicha movable frame, 935, is mounted. Movable frame 935 is movably mountedin frame 932 so that it may rotate and translate via a movementmechanism, 937, from a closed position to an open position, for example.Mechanism 937 may include a number of arms that allow for this rotationand translation. In this example, movement mechanism 937 is a manuallyoperated mechanism, but in other embodiments, the mechanism is drivenelectrically and, optionally, the controller that controls thetransitions of IGU 900 also controls movement mechanism 937. The IGU900's electrochromic pane is in electrical communication with a windowcontroller through a ribbon cable, 940.

By virtue of its configuration, ribbon cable 940 allows for rotation andtranslation of movable frame 935, with respect to frame 932, withoutbecoming entangled in mechanism 937 and also while being aestheticallyunobtrusive (i.e. it is at least partially hidden to the user bymechanism 937). Ribbon cable 940 may include two connectors 941 and 943,similar to ribbon cable 905, for coupling the electrochromic pane in IGU900 in movable frame 935 to a window controller, e.g. via wiring throughframe 932. Again, many different types of connectors may be used for theribbon cable. In some embodiments, ribbon cable 940 may be partially orfully attached to an arm or arms of mechanism 937. Ribbon cable 940 maybe attached to an arm of movement mechanism 937 with an adhesive, 945,for example. Other ways of attaching the ribbon cable to a component ofmechanism 937 are possible, however, including brackets, clips andVelcro, for example. As shown, ribbon cable 940 may include one or morefolds such that it conforms to accommodate the configuration ofmechanism 937. For example, ribbon cable 940 may include one or morefolds, as shown in FIG. 9D, right-most portion. Ribbon cable is wellsuited for such applications because it is relatively flat and can befolded without breaking the wires within the ribbon.

A ribbon cable similar to the ribbon cable 905 or 940 also may be usedfor a window unit including a movable frame that translates,specifically a sliding window. The window unit may include a frame inwhich a movable frame is mounted. The movable frame may include aninsulated glass unit including an electrochromic pane. The movable framemay be movably mounted in the frame so that it may translate. A ribboncable may allow for translation of the movable frame with respect to theframe.

As described above, where a connector is configured within an IGU may beimportant when considering where to attach wiring connectors to the IGU.Flexibility in attaching wiring assemblies to an IGU can significantlyreduce wiring complexity and length, and thus save considerable time andmoney, both for fabricators and installers. One embodiment is anelectrical connection system including a track, the track including twoor more rails that provide electrical communication, via wiring and busbars, to the electrodes of an EC device of the IGU. The track is, e.g.,embedded in the secondary sealing area of the IGU. An associatedconnector engages the rails and thereby makes electrical connection tothe rails. A non-limiting example of the track described above isdescribed in relation to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict aspects of an insulated glass unit, 1000,including a track, 1025, and an associated connector, 1045. In thisexample, track 1025 is also a spacer that may serve as both a secondarysealing element and an electrical connector for an electrochromic paneof the IGU, although the sealing function is not necessary. FIG. 10A isa schematic diagram of IGU 1000 including an electrochromic pane, 1010.Electrochromic pane 1010 includes bus bars, 1015. Electrochromic pane1010 is matched with another pane (not shown) and together the panessandwich a separator, 1020, with a primary seal being formed betweenseparator 1020 and the inside surfaces of the panes along with anadhesive. In this example, track 1025 is used to form a secondary seal,similar to the primary seal formed between the glass panes and separator1020, with an adhesive between the inner surfaces of the glass panes andtrack 1025. Thus, in this example, the primary and secondary seals areformed in the same fashion. Track 1025 adds additional rigidity andstrength to the IGU structure as well as a sealing function. In certainembodiments, the track is embedded in a traditional secondary sealantwithout also serving as a sealing element itself; in these embodiments,the track needs to traverse the entire perimeter of the IGU.

Track 1025 also includes rails, in this example in the form of wires,1030 and 1035, which provide electrical communication to bus bars 1015via wires, 1017. That is, wires 1017 connect bus bars 1015 to wires 1030and 1035 in track 1025. Track 1025 is described further in relation toFIG. 10B. FIG. 10A, in the bottom portion, shows only track 1025.Included is an expanded view of a corner portion of track 1025, showingdetail of a channel in which reside wires 1030 and 1035. In thisexample, wires 1030 and 1035 run all the way around the channel of track1025. In other embodiments, wires 1030 and 1035 run only in a portion(e.g., one side, two sides, or three sides) of track 1025. The rails ofthe track may be other than wires, so long as they are conductivematerial, although wires are convenient because they are common andeasily configured in a track, e.g., track 1025 may be an extrudedplastic material into which wires may be molded, or the wires may beinserted into the track after extrusion or molding.

FIG. 10B shows a cross-section D, as indicated in FIG. 10A, of track1025 showing the details of wires 1030 and 1035 and finer detail oftrack 1025. Track 1025 may be a non-conducting material, such as anextruded polymer, for example, that holds wires 1030 and 1035 in place.In one example, track 1025 is made of an extruded plastic channeledmaterial. The channeled material is cut and formed, e.g., ultrasonicallywelded, to form a unitary body as depicted. As shown in FIG. 10B, wires1030 and 1035 are located within recesses in track 1025 and, in thisexample, each wire is insulated on three sides. As mentioned, the wiresmay be inserted into the recesses after the track is fabricated. Track1025 includes two slots or channels, 1040 and 1050. Slot 1050 allows forelectrical connection of an electrical connector, e.g., from a windowcontroller to IGU 1000. Wires 1017 from bus bars 1015 of theelectrochromic pane 1010 may be housed in slot 1040. Wires 1017 may passthough the material of track 1025, e.g., passing from slot 1040 throughan aperture and into slot 1050, so that the each of the wires 1017 maycontact its respective wire 1030 or 1035. The aperture through whichwires 1017 pass may be sealed prior to fabrication of the IGU, or duringfabrication of the IGU, e.g., using adhesive sealant residing in slot1040. In one example, a sealant is applied to the gap between the wireand the aperture. Slot 1040 also may allow for additional wires and/orinterconnections to be made to the IGU.

In one example, track 1025 is assembled with wires 1017 being attachedto rails 1030 and 1035 prior to being attached to bus bars 1015. Thatis, one embodiment is a track including rails and wires connected to therails, the wires passing through the track such that the track, oncesandwiched between two panes of glass, optionally with an adhesivesealant, forms a hermetic seal. In one such embodiment, assembly of theIGU includes 1) attaching wires 1017 to the bus bars, and 2) thensimultaneously forming the primary and the secondary seal usingseparator 1020 and track 1025. Electrical connections may be made toelectrochromic pane 1010 with connector 1045. Connector 1045 may includea non-conducting body 1047 with two conducting tabs, 1055 and 1060. Inthis example, each of the two conducting tabs 1055 and 1060 is connectedto a single incoming wire, 1075. Each of the single wires may be coupledto a connector, as described herein, and ultimately connected to awindow controller. In this example, to establish electrical connection,connector 1045 is inserted into slot 1050 and then twisted about 90degrees so that each of the conducting tabs, 1055 and 1060, makescontact with a wire, 1035 and 1030, respectively. In some embodiments,to ensure that a correct wire is in contact with the correct tab, tabs1055 and 1060 and the recesses housing wires 1030 and 1035 areasymmetrical. As shown in FIG. 10B, tab 1060 is thicker than tab 1055.Further, the recess housing wire 1030 is smaller than the recess housingwire 1035. Connector 1045 enters slot 1050 and then, by virtue of theconfiguration of the recesses and tabs, the connector can be turned onlyso that tab 1060 contacts wire 1030 and tab 1055 contacts wire 1035.Varying tab thickness and recess size is one way to help to insure thatthe connector 1045 is in contact with the correct wires, but othermechanisms to achieve this are also possible.

One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that otherconfigurations of track 1025 are possible. For example, in oneembodiment, track 1025 is a linear track that is inserted along one sideof the IGU in the secondary sealing area. Depending upon the need, one,two, three or four such linear tracks, each along an independent side ofthe IGU, are installed in the IGU. In another embodiment, track 1025 isU-shaped, so that when installed in the secondary sealing area of theIGU, it allows electrical connection via at least three sides of theIGU.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail tofacilitate understanding, the described embodiments are to be consideredillustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practicedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A window unit comprising: an insulated glass unitincluding an optically switchable pane; a wire assembly attached to anedge of the insulated glass unit and comprising wires in electricalcommunication with distinct electrodes of the optically switchable pane;and a floating connector attached to the distal end of the wireassembly, the floating connector electrically coupled to the opticallyswitchable pane, wherein the floating connector comprises: (i) a flangeand a nose extending from the flange by a distance approximately equalto a thickness of a first frame in which insulated glass unit is to bemounted, wherein the nose comprises a terminal face presenting twoexposed contacts of opposite polarities, and (ii) two holes in theflange for affixing the floating connector to said first frame, whereinthe two holes are arranged with respect to the nose such that the noseis closer to one of the holes than the other, thereby requiring that thetwo exposed contacts be arranged in a defined orientation when thefloating connector is affixed to the first frame, or an asymmetricelement in the shape of the nose and/or the flange that permitsinstallation in only one way.
 2. The window unit of claim 1, wherein theoptically switchable pane includes an electrochromic device that issolid state and inorganic.
 3. The window unit of claim 1, furthercomprising: the first frame in which the insulated glass unit ismounted.
 4. The window unit of claim 3, further comprising: a secondframe, wherein the first frame is fixedly mounted in the second frame,wherein a fixed connector is affixed to the second frame, and whereinthe floating connector and the fixed connector are configured to contactone another when the first frame is mounted in the second frame, thefixed connector comprising mating contacts to supply electrical chargeto the two exposed contacts of the floating connector.
 5. The windowunit of claim 3, further comprising: a second frame, wherein the firstframe is moveably mounted in the second frame, wherein a fixed connectoris affixed to the second frame, and wherein the floating connector andthe fixed connector are configured to contact one another when the firstframe is at a first position in the second frame, the fixed connectorcomprising mating contacts to supply electrical charge to said twoexposed contacts of the floating connector.
 6. The window unit of claim5, wherein the fixed connector is coupled to a window controller, thewindow controller being configured to transition the opticallyswitchable pane between a first optical state and a second opticalstate.
 7. The window unit of claim 5, wherein two holes are included ina body of the fixed connector for affixing the fixed connector to thesecond frame, the two holes configured to allow the fixed connector totranslate orthogonally to the motion of the first frame in order toalign with the floating connector when the first frame is at the firstposition in the second frame.
 8. The window unit of claim 1, wherein theterminal face of the nose of the floating connector includes acircumferential rim and an interior recessed region where the twoexposed contacts are presented, and wherein the circumferential rim hasa slope directed inwardly toward the interior recessed region tofacilitate mating with a fixed connector having a male mating surface.9. The window unit of claim 8, wherein the male mating surface of thefixed connector presents mating contacts to supply electrical charge tothe two exposed contacts of the floating connector, wherein a mechanicaldevice causes the mating contacts to extend from the male matingsurface, and wherein the mechanical device allows the mating contacts torecede into the fixed connector when a force is applied to the matingcontacts.
 10. The window unit of claim 8, wherein the male matingsurface of the fixed connector presents mating contacts to supplyelectrical charge to the two exposed contacts of the floating connector,wherein a magnetic force causes the mating contacts to extend from themale mating surface and engage with the two exposed contacts in the nosewhen the male mating surface is proximate the terminal face of the nose,and wherein a mechanical device imparts a force to the mating contactsthat allows the mating contacts to recede into the fixed connector whenthe male mating surface of the fixed connector and the terminal face ofthe nose of the floating connector are spaced sufficiently apart suchthat the magnetic force is overcome by the force.
 11. The window unit ofclaim 10, wherein the magnetic force is provided by the two contacts inthe nose comprising neodymium magnets or by the male mating contactscomprising neodymium magnets.
 12. The window unit of claim 1, whereinthe floating connector includes at least one of a memory device, anintegrated circuit device, and a memory device and an integrated circuitdevice.
 13. The window unit of claim 12, wherein the memory deviceand/or integrated circuit device stores information for identifyingand/or controlling the optically switchable pane.
 14. The window unit ofclaim 13, wherein the information comprises current and voltageoperating instructions for transitioning the optically switchable panebetween a first optical state and a second optical state.
 15. The windowunit of claim 13, wherein the information includes a maximum electricsignal and a minimum electric signal that may be applied to theoptically switchable pane by a window controller.
 16. The window unit ofclaim 1, wherein the nose further comprises one or more protrusionsemanating from a surface of the nose other than the terminal face, saidprotrusions configured to engage with and hold the nose of the floatingconnector in the first frame when the nose is passed through an aperturein the first frame to expose the terminal face of the nose.
 17. Thewindow unit of claim 16, wherein said one or more protrusions areincompressible such that they engage with and deform the inside of theaperture when the nose is passed there through.
 18. The window unit ofclaim 16, wherein said one or more protrusions are compressible suchthat they compressively engage with the inside of the aperture when thenose is passed there through.
 19. A window assembly comprising: aninsulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane; a firstconnector mounted to the insulated glass unit in a sealant of theinsulated glass unit, the first connector comprising exposed contactselectrically coupled to leads extending from the optically switchablepane and through the insulated glass unit, the first connector furthercomprising a first ferromagnetic element, which itself may bemagnetized; and a wire assembly configured to be detachably mounted tothe insulated glass unit through the first connector, wherein the wireassembly comprises at least two wires extending from and electricallycoupled to a second connector comprising a surface having contacts andbeing shaped for mechanical engagement to the first connector, thesecond connector further comprising a second ferromagnetic element,which itself may be magnetized, wherein at least one of the first andsecond ferromagnetic elements is magnetized such that the first andsecond connectors may magnetically engage one another to provideelectrical communication between their respective contacts.
 20. Thewindow assembly of claim 19, wherein the wire assembly further comprisesa distal end including terminals configured to be coupled to a windowcontroller.
 21. The window assembly of claim 20, wherein the distal endof the wire assembly further includes at least one of a memory device,an integrated circuit device, and a memory device and an integratedcircuit device.
 22. The window assembly of claim 21, wherein the memorydevice and/or integrated circuit device stores information foridentifying and/or controlling the optically switchable pane.
 23. Thewindow assembly of claim 22, wherein the information comprises currentand voltage operating instructions for transitioning the opticallyswitchable pane between a first optical state and a second opticalstate.
 24. The window assembly of claim 22, wherein the informationincludes a maximum electric signal and a minimum electric signal thatmay be applied to the optically switchable pane by a window controller.25. The window assembly of claim 19, wherein the first connector ishoused substantially within the sealant of the insulated glass unit. 26.The window assembly of claim 19, wherein the first connector furtherincludes at least one of a memory device, an integrated circuit device,and a memory device and an integrated circuit device.
 27. The windowassembly of claim 26, wherein the memory device and/or integratedcircuit device stores information for identifying and/or controlling theoptically switchable pane.
 28. The window assembly of claim 27, whereinthe information comprises current and voltage operating instructions fortransitioning the optically switchable pane between a first opticalstate and a second optical state.
 29. The window assembly of claim 27,wherein the information includes a maximum electric signal and a minimumelectric signal that may be applied to the optically switchable pane bya window controller.
 30. A window system comprising: a first insulatedglass unit including a first optically switchable pane and a firstconnector in electrical communication with electrodes of the firstoptically switchable pane; and a first coupling unit comprising twoconnectors linked by a flexible ribbon cable, wherein a first of the twoconnectors is configured to mate with the first connector.
 31. Thewindow system of claim 30, wherein a second of the two connectors of thefirst coupling unit is configured to couple to an external connector forproviding power to the first optically switchable pane and mounted in asecond frame, and wherein the first coupling unit allows rotation of thefirst insulated glass unit and the first connector when the firstinsulated glass unit is mounted in a first frame and the first frame ismoveably mounted in the second frame.
 32. The window system of claim 30,wherein a second of the two connectors of the first coupling unit isconfigured to couple to an external connector for providing power to thefirst optically switchable pane and mounted in a second frame, andwherein the first coupling unit allows translation of the firstinsulated glass unit and the first connector when the first insulatedglass unit is mounted in a first frame and the first frame is moveablymounted in the second frame.
 33. The window system of claim 30, whereina second of the two connectors of the first coupling unit is configuredto couple to an external connector for providing power to the firstoptically switchable pane and mounted in a second frame, and wherein thefirst coupling unit allows translation and rotation of the firstinsulated glass unit and the first connector when the first insulatedglass unit is mounted in a first frame and the first frame is moveablymounted in the second frame.
 34. The window system of claim 30, whereinthe first insulated glass unit further includes a second connector, thewindow system further comprising: a second insulated glass unitincluding a second optically switchable pane and a third connector inelectrical communication with electrodes of the second opticallyswitchable pane; and a second coupling unit comprising two connectorslinked by a flexible ribbon cable, wherein at least one of the twoconnectors is configured to couple with the second connector and theother of the two connectors is configured to couple with the thirdconnector.
 35. The window system of claim 34, wherein the secondoptically switchable pane is directly coupled to a window controllerthrough the third connector, the second coupling unit, the secondconnector, the first connector, and the first coupling unit.
 36. Thewindow system of claim 35, wherein the window controller is configuredto independently control the first and the second optically switchablepanes.
 37. The window system of claim 34, wherein the second opticallyswitchable pane and the first optically switchable pane are coupled to awindow controller in series.